Wolf Within
"Again," he said, his voice steady but edged with challenge. He stood a few feet away, his stance relaxed, his eyes fixed on her.
Nova's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She charged at him, her movements fueled by anger rather than precision. Kael sidestepped her again, sending her crashing again to the ground. The impact jarred her, but it wasn't the fall that hurt the most—it was the growing weight of her own frustration.
"Get up," Kael said, his tone unreadable.
Nova pushed herself to her knees, her breaths coming in short, ragged bursts. Her body ached from the relentless training, but it was her mind that felt the most battered. She looked up at Kael, her vision blurred with unshed tears.
"You have to want it," he said. "Not just to survive, but to thrive. To take control."
"I'm trying," she snapped, her voice shaking. "I'm doing everything I can—"
"Then show me!" Kael's voice rose, cutting through her protest. "Enough with the excuses. Stop holding back!"
This time something else inside her broke. Her body moved before her mind could catch up, and she lunged at him with everything she had. Her punches were wild, uncoordinated, but she didn't care. The raw fury she had bottled up for so long spilled over, consuming her.
Her words were cut off by a sharp gasp as a searing heat spread through her chest. She staggered back, clutching at her ribs as her vision swam. Her skin prickled, and a sharp pain shot through her limbs. She doubled over, her breathing shallow and uneven.
Kael's expression shifted, his teasing replaced by a sharp intensity. "Nova," he said, his voice low but firm. "Focus. Breathe. Don't fight it—feel it."
The pain intensified, her body trembling as if it were about to tear itself apart. She fell to her knees, her fingers clawing at the dirt as her bones began to shift. Her cries turned into low, guttural growls as fur erupted along her arms and back. Her senses sharpened, the world around her becoming painfully vivid—the scent of the earth, the rustling leaves, the steady rhythm of Kael's heartbeat.
Her vision darkened for a moment before snapping back into focus. She lifted her head, her breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. Her hands—no, her paws—dug into the ground, the claws leaving deep gouges in the dirt. She was no longer human, but a wolf, her body massive and powerful.
Kael took a cautious step forward, his hands raised slightly in a calming gesture. "You're ok," he said, his voice steady. "You're in control. Now breathe."
Nova's ears flattened against her head as she growled, the sound low and warning. Her instincts screamed at her to run, to fight, to do something—but Kael didn't move. He held her gaze, his amber eyes unwavering.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You're not alone in this."
His words pierced through the chaos in her mind, and her growl softened to a whine. She took a hesitant step back, her claws digging into the dirt. The forest around her seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the rapid thudding of her heart.
"Good," Kael said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Now, let's see what you can do."
Nova blinked, her mind still racing, but a spark of understanding ignited within her. She didn't need to be a victim of her transformation. For the first time, she felt the strength coursing through her veins, the power of her wolf.
She took another step forward, her movements steady and deliberate. Kael watched her carefully, his expression a mix of caution and approval. "That's it," he said. "Feel her. Let her guide you."
Nova circled him, her muscles coiled with energy. She could feel every movement, every shift in the air around her. Her senses were sharper than they had ever been, and for the first time, she didn't feel afraid.
Kael crouched slightly, his posture defensive. "Whenever you're ready," he said, his voice laced with challenge.
Nova lunged, her movements swift and precise. Kael dodged, but this time, she anticipated his counter, her claws grazing his arm as he twisted away. He chuckled, the sound low and approving. "Better," he said. "Much better."
The two of them moved in a deadly dance, Kael pushing her to her limits while she tested the boundaries of her newfound strength. For the first time, Nova felt a flicker of pride—not just in her wolf, but in herself. She was stronger than she had ever imagined, and with Kael's guidance, she knew she could grow even stronger.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in shades of gold that matched her eyes, Nova stood tall, her wolf form towering and majestic. Kael approached her slowly. "Good job today," he said smiling. "But I think it's time for a little fun. Interested?"
Without waiting for her response, Kael stepped back, his body shifting seamlessly into his wolf form. His transformation was quick, almost effortless, as dark fur rippled across his skin and his frame grew larger. His amber eyes gleamed with mischief as he turned and bounded off into the forest, his movements fluid and powerful, leaving Nova standing in awe.